AP Minister Kolusu Parthasarathi alleged irregularities in the YSRCP government’s liquor policy and demanded that former CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy respond to allegations emerging from the ongoing investigation.
Mangalagiri: Andhra Pradesh Housing Minister Kolusu Parthasarathi has demanded that former Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy respond to allegations surrounding the previous government’s liquor policy and the ongoing investigation into the alleged liquor scam.
Addressing a media conference at the TDP central office in Mangalagiri on Sunday, Parthasarathi alleged that the previous YSRCP government’s liquor policy involved large-scale irregularities and questioned Jagan over allegations that ₹3,200 crore in alleged kickbacks were collected.
The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation and have been disputed by YSRCP leaders. Former minister Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) recently questioned the evidence against Jagan and alleged that the investigation was being used for political targeting.
Parthasarathi referred to statements attributed to former Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited official D. Satya Prasad, who has sought to become an approver in the liquor-policy case.
Recent reports have quoted Satya Prasad as making allegations concerning the functioning of the liquor procurement and supply system during the previous government, including claims involving ₹3,200 crore.
Parthasarathi demanded that Jagan respond to the allegations and explain the decisions taken during his government.
However, the allegations remain contested. Former minister Perni Nani has questioned Satya Prasad's account and the investigation, saying the statement did not establish direct evidence against Jagan.
The minister also raised questions about payment systems used in liquor sales during the previous administration.
He asked why digital payment options were allegedly not encouraged and why cash transactions were used extensively. He also referred to allegations concerning changes in liquor procurement procedures, introduction of new brands and the allocation of orders.
Andhra Pradesh currently requires liquor shops to accept digital payments through UPI, credit cards and debit cards, with POS machines provided at shops, according to the State Excise Department.
Parthasarathi also raised allegations concerning the centralisation of liquor transportation contracts and changes in transportation rates.
He alleged that irregularities were also involved in the appointment and payment of staff at liquor shops.
These claims form part of the political allegations being exchanged over the previous government's liquor policy and remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
Parthasarathi said the present coalition government was focusing on transparency, quality control and digital monitoring in liquor sales.
The 2026-27 Excise Shop Policy, notified by the Andhra Pradesh government, retains 3,736 retail liquor shops for one year from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. The policy includes measures relating to compliance with MRP, prevention of spurious and non-duty-paid liquor, prohibition of brand mixing or dilution and maintenance of electronic inventory.
The new policy also introduces stronger digital monitoring and AI-enabled surveillance, according to reports on the government's policy framework.
The State's AP Excise Suraksha application is intended to help track liquor sales and verify whether liquor sold is genuine or spurious, according to the Excise Department.
Parthasarathi said the government was committed to improving quality controls and transparency in the liquor sector.
He demanded that Jagan respond to the allegations emerging from the investigation into the previous liquor policy and explain the decisions taken during the YSRCP government's tenure.
The liquor-policy case remains under investigation, and allegations against individuals will ultimately be subject to the findings of investigating agencies and the courts.
